New England encouraged to ‘get cracking’ as deadline approaches for Regional Growth Fund

27 Mar 2018

  • One month to go for initial applications, with $10 million or more on offer for successful applicants
  • $272 million investment opportunity to transform regional communities
  • Fund focused on major projects valued over $20 million, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation in regional and remote Australia

The deadline to apply for the Coalition Government’s highly anticipated Regional Growth Fund is fast approaching and the Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, is calling for applicants to get cracking with only one month remaining to submit initial applications.

 

Mr Joyce said the $272 million Regional Growth Fund would support major projects in regional, rural and remote areas that delivered long-term economic benefits.

 

“For communities like ours, outside the major capital cities, this is a unique opportunity to ‘think big’ on new or expanded projects, with 50 per cent of project funding on offer as part of the Coalition Government’s focus on regional jobs,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Whether it’s transport, communications, tourism, manufacturing or primary industries, the Coalition Government will invest a minimum $10 million toward each successful project.

 

“The New England economy is already benefitting from big ticket projects like the Armidale Regional Airport upgrade, Tamworth’s Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence and will soon reap the benefits of increased freight productivity through the Bolivia Hill upgrade, Tenterfield Bypass and the $120 million Scone Bypass.

 

“The Regional Growth Fund will support additional investment for sustainable economic growth, including from the private sector, other levels of government and not-for-profit organisations.”

 

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said with initial applications closing on 27 April 2018, he encouraged all eligible organisations to submit an application as soon as possible.

 

“The $272 million fund will be a game-changer across Australia by unlocking government funding for projects that have the capacity to transform regional areas,” Dr McVeigh said.

 

“Thanks to the Coalition Government, in the last year 420,700 jobs were created – that is on average, 1,100 new jobs a day.”

 

For more information, including the application process, visit www.grants.gov.au

 

(ENDS)

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